I want the contractor to be bonded and insured.

However, what I'd look for:1) Bond - Just in case you need to make a claim2) Resume - Number of deals and how long they've been doing it3) Informative - Make sure you understand how they keep you informed.THere's a 1031 guy that pops up here, he'll know better.

Buy a bond fund for 7% zero hassle no renters or toilets (stock market).Or buy into a turnkey and maybe make 10% plus appreciation, maybe more.My SFRs here in Atlanta run 15%.I'll take back my concern for your cap rate.  

Not sure what the bonding agent would be, but it could be a pain to get that off.

There are other pieces to the puzzle like a property manager and of course a good general contractor (that's licensed and bonded) but you get the idea. 

I suppose it's just a matter of keeping my ears and eyes open here and elsewhere to find the right team/pipeline including lenders who are willing to work with me.The good news is, If I cut my teeth in this environment, it should be really smooth sailing down the road.

I cut my teeth and built my fortune on the DC market.

As easy as this sounds, it's not simple and usually like pulling teeth.

Diversification and Asset Appreciation: Real estate investments offer diversification benefits by providing an alternative asset class to traditional stocks and bonds.

I'm not a lender, but I believe they've already hit the bond limit for 2023, but I think the non-bond assistance should still be available for qualified applicants.